A MetaTrader grey label gives you your own branded trading offering on a MetaTrader server you do not have to own, license or maintain. It is the entry point most new brokers use because it removes the expensive, slow parts of launching: the platform licence, the server and the incorporation. But not every grey label is equal, and the details of groups, pricing control and data feed decide whether it will actually support your business. Here is what to look at.
What a MetaTrader grey label actually is
MetaTrader (MT4 and MT5) is licensed by MetaQuotes to brokers and technology providers. A grey label is a sub-licence arrangement: a provider that already operates a server gives you a defined slice of it. You get your own groups of accounts, your own pricing, and your own clients, while the provider keeps the server running. If you want the wider concept first, start with our forex grey label guide.
The building blocks: groups, markup, spread and commission
Groups
A group is the unit of configuration in MetaTrader. Each group defines the conditions that apply to every account placed in it. One group might be a standard account with a spread markup, another a raw-spread account with commission, a third a VIP tier. The number of groups you receive therefore sets a ceiling on how many distinct products you can sell.
Markup, spread and commission
This is where your revenue comes from. Markup is added to the underlying price, spread is the resulting difference between bid and ask, and commission is a per-lot charge. On a grey label you set these yourself within your groups. Two operators on the same server can price very differently, which is exactly why the control matters.
The data feed
Prices have to come from somewhere. Some grey label packages include a data feed, others charge for it separately or limit symbols. Confirm whether the feed covers every instrument you plan to offer: forex pairs, metals, indices, crypto CFDs and so on.
What our MT5 grey label includes
- MT5 manager with up to 4 groups
- Set your own markup, spreads and commission
- Free data feed
- Forex, CFDs, crypto and metals
- Unlimited B-book
- No documents or incorporation needed to start
- Go live in under 24 hours
- Setup fee currently waived as a limited-time offer (a $1,000 value)
The full details are on our MetaTrader grey label page.
Where the limits are
- Four groups is a design decision. Plan them deliberately: for example standard, ECN-style, VIP and a promotional tier. Do not burn groups on near-duplicates.
- No server-level control. You work inside your groups. Changing server rules, adding plug-ins or reconfiguring execution is not usually available at this level.
- You still need a back office. The platform alone does not onboard clients. Without a CRM connected through the MT5 Manager API, account creation, KYC and payments are manual and do not scale.
Connecting a grey label to a CRM and traders cabinet
The platform is only half the business. Clients need somewhere to register, verify, deposit, withdraw and see their accounts, and your team needs somewhere to approve those actions. A forex CRM and traders cabinet linked to the platform handle this automatically. Brokers who skip this step typically end up processing everything by hand within the first few weeks, which is the point where a launch quietly stalls.
MT4 or MT5 for a grey label
MT5 is the default choice for new launches. It supports more asset classes natively, has a more capable architecture and is where MetaQuotes focuses development. MT4 retains a loyal user base, particularly among forex-only traders. Whichever you choose, verify that the manager API your CRM needs is available for it. Our comparison of the MT4 and MT5 Manager API covers the differences.
Questions to ask before you choose a grey label
- How many groups are included, and what does an extra group cost?
- Is the data feed included, and does it cover all instruments I need?
- Is B-book allowed, and is there any limit on internalisation?
- What are all the fees: setup, monthly, per-lot, revenue share?
- What is the uptime commitment and who handles server incidents?
- Can I connect my own CRM and traders cabinet through the manager API?
- What are the terms for upgrading to a white label?
When you are ready to move beyond the grey label stage, read how an MT5 white label setup works and what changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a MetaTrader grey label?
A MetaTrader grey label is a branded sub-account structure on a MetaTrader server that a provider owns and runs. You get your own groups and pricing control, while the provider handles the server, licence and infrastructure.
How many groups does a MetaTrader grey label include?
It depends on the provider. Packages commonly include a small fixed number of groups, and ours includes up to 4. Groups matter because each one is a distinct set of trading conditions you can offer to clients.
Can I run a B-book on a grey label?
Many grey label setups allow it, and ours offers unlimited B-book. Confirm this in writing, because some providers restrict internalisation or route flow differently.
Is MT5 or MT4 better for a grey label?
MT5 is the newer platform and covers more asset classes natively, so most new brokers choose it. MT4 remains popular with traders who prefer its familiar interface. Check which your provider supports and whether the manager API integration you need exists for it.
Ready to go live fast? See the MetaTrader grey label offer or talk to us about your trading conditions.